Tag Archives: holidays

The holiday season is a busy time for drivers. In addition to traveling to visit friends and family, people are on the road more to shop for presents, visit the grocery store, attend holiday recitals, and shuttle kids around during holiday breaks. Over time, all this driving can burn through a lot of gas.

You are probably looking for ways to stretch your holiday budget a little further this year, and transportation is one area where you can make a serious dent. In order to spend less at the pump during the hectic time between Thanksgiving and New Year, follow these simple tips.

Get Your Vehicle in Shape

The health of your vehicle has a significant impact on your fuel economy. Before the holiday season starts, take care of some basic maintenance. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Inspect the chassis and suspension for misalignments that can create extra engine drag. Have your engine tuned up according to manufacturer’s specifications, and you could improve your fuel efficiency by 4%. Finally, make sure that you have your oil changed regularly.

Drive Differently

Efficient driving starts with the vehicle, but it ends with the driver. If you drive carefully and consciously, you can make each tank of gas last a little longer. First and foremost, don’t drive faster than you need to. As your speed increases, your fuel economy drops. Also, avoid heavy traffic and routes where you will do a lot of stopping and starting. It may even be worth it to take a longer route if you can avoid heavy traffic. If the weather permits, use your cruise control on the highway to maintain an efficient speed.

Reduce the Weight of Your Vehicle

This is one aspect of efficiency that many people overlook, but an extra 100 pounds of weight can reduce your fuel economy by 2%. Try to travel lightly, even if you have to pack the car with luggage and gifts. If the roads are clear, and you have the option of traveling by car or truck, go with the car. Try to limit your holiday shopping to as few excursions as possible to cut down on overloaded trips.

Find the Cheapest Gas

Gas prices can vary widely, even within a very small area. Everyone would like to find the lowest price, and luckily there are new tools that make it especially easy. Download one of the many free apps for your phone that allow you to comparison shop gas prices wherever you are. Also, look out for deals that might reduce your overall bill at the gas station. If you can get a free cup of coffee with a fill up, it is worth it to pay a few extra cents per gallon.

Fuel economy is important during the holiday season, but not as important as safety. When you are on the road, your number one priority should be the safety of yourself, your passengers and all the other drivers. If you remain conscientious and defensive on the road, you can avoid delays and save gas at the same time.

Image Source: www.flickr.com/photos/mdu2boy/2985034861

Original Source: http://blog.petroledsigns.com/gas-news/spend-less-gas-holiday-season

The winter holidays are some of the busiest travel days of the year. Hundreds of thousands of people hit the road to visit friends and family. In some cases, they are only going a few miles. In others, they are traveling across several states.

Holiday travel can be a stressful experience, especially if you have a long way to go. No matter how far you are traveling, though, it is important to travel safely. Your goal is to get where you are going so that you can enjoy the holidays, so avoid taking unnecessary risks. Follow these holiday travel tips when you hit the road this year.

Prepare Your Vehicle
Before you leave on your trip, make sure that your vehicle is in good working condition. Have the oil changed and air up the tires. Top off the windshield washer fluid and make sure you have antifreeze in the radiator, especially if you are traveling to a cold climate. If your vehicle has been having issues, consult with a mechanic before you leave to make sure you won’t break down on the road.

Plan Your Route
Consult a map before you leave and plan out a detailed driving route. The shortest route may not necessarily be the fastest or safest, so investigate alternate routes. It is always a good idea to have a paper copy of your directions in case your phone runs out of batteries or your GPS malfunctions. Also, check the weather along your route before you leave so you will be prepared for storms.

Follow the Speed Limit
In addition to being unsafe, speeding can get you a ticket, which is both time-consuming and frustrating. Obey all posted speed limits, and keep in mind that increased congestion may force you to drive below the speed limit.

Take Time for Rest
Get a good night’s sleep the night before you leave, and take frequent breaks along the way. Getting out of the car to stretch your legs, use the bathroom and grab a snack can improve your mood and help you drive safer. A good policy is to stop every 100 miles or two hours.

Prepare for the Unexpected
Keep a blanket, a pair of gloves and a flashlight in the trunk of your car in case your vehicle becomes disabled for some reason. You may also want to bring along a bag of kitty litter to help your vehicle get traction in icy conditions. If you know that your vehicle leaks fluids, make sure that you carry extras with you. Do not let your gas tank get below half full to avoid frozen fuel lines and the risk of running out of gas.

Relax
Holiday travel can be a difficult experience, and if you are traveling with children, lots of luggage and possibly even pets, it can fray your nerves. A bad mood leads to reckless driving and irrational decision making. Make sure to stay calm, and if you feel the need to stop, do not hesitate to do so.